Performance enhancement product for an air conditioner

ABSTRACT

A performance enhancement device is disclosed comprising a chimney that is secured to an upward-facing air exhaust of the condenser unit of an air conditioning system for directing the hot air discharged from the condenser away from the air conditioning system. A sun screened enclosure may also be utilized for at least partially surrounding the condenser unit and protecting it from solar radiation. When used in conjunction with the chimney, the chimney extends above the uppermost extent of the sun screened enclosure. One or more misting nozzles may be disposed within the sun screened enclosure for dispersing a water mist within the enclosure. The misting nozzles may be controlled individually, or in groups. The performance enhancement device may comprise a sensor for sensing the operating state of the air conditioning system and the ambient temperature proximate to the condensing unit and a controller for receiving the operating state and temperature information and, based on the information, activating one or more misting nozzles. An activation sequence may be employed in which the number of activated misting nozzles is based on the ambient temperature information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60/913,003filed Apr. 20, 2007, entitled Performance Enhancement Product for an AirConditioner, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to air conditioning. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a system for enhancingthe performance of a condenser unit for an air conditioner.

While moving heat via machinery to provide air conditioning is arelatively modern invention, the cooling of buildings is not. Theancient Egyptians were known to circulate aqueduct water through thewalls of certain houses to cool them. As this sort of water usage wasexpensive, generally only the wealthy could afford such a luxury.Fortunately, most modern homes in the United States have some type ofair conditioner system.

The modern air conditioner is a system designed to extract heat from anarea or provide heat to an area using a refrigeration cycle. Thesesystems operate on a refrigeration cycle, wherein a heat pump transfersheat from a lower temperature area source into a higher temperaturearea, in opposition to the natural flow of heat. An air conditioningsystem typically comprises four main components: a high pressurecondenser unit for circulating a refrigerant and exhausting heat fromthe refrigerant into the higher temperature area; a low pressureevaporator unit for circulating the refrigerant and absorbing heat fromthe lower temperature area into the refrigerant; a compressor unitcoupled between the low pressure evaporator unit and the high pressurecondenser unit for pressurizing the refrigerant; and a thermostaticexpansion valve, or the like, coupled between the high pressurecondenser unit and the low pressure evaporator unit for meteringpressurized refrigerant into the evaporator at a low pressure, therebyevaporating and enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat from the lowertemperature area. The most common uses of modern air conditioners arefor comfort cooling. Comfort cooling aims to provide an indoorenvironment that remains in a relatively constant temperature rangedespite changes in external weather conditions or in internal heatloads.

Although there are many types of air conditioning systems known in theprior art, one particular type is known as a split system airconditioner in which the high pressure condenser unit, and usually thecompressor unit, is in one location (often in the lower temperaturearea, indoors), and the low pressure evaporator unit, and usually thethermostatic expansion valve, is in a second location (often in thehigher temperature area, outdoors). A typical split system airconditioning unit is designed to maintain the lower temperature area ata comfortable temperature, for instance 75° F. In operation, the airconditioning unit cycles ON and OFF whenever the temperature of theindoor area is outside a preset operating window, for instance between74° F. and 78° F. An automatic control senses the temperature in theindoor area. If it is above 78° F. for instance, the compressor unitcycles ON and the compressor unit is activated to circulate refrigerantbetween the low pressure evaporator unit and the high pressure condenserunit. During the ON cycle, a blower fan will circulate warmer air fromthe indoor area across cooling coils in the evaporator unit and backinto the indoor area at a substantially lower temperature.Simultaneously during the ON cycle, a fan will circulate outdoor airacross coils in the condenser unit and exhaust it at a much highertemperature. When the automatic control system senses that thetemperature in the indoor area has fallen sufficiently, below 74° F. forinstance, the compressor unit cycles OFF and the refrigerant ceasescirculating.

Many factors influence the systems ability to efficiently maintain acomfortable temperature in the indoor area. For instance, the ambienttemperature in the indoor area; the volume of the indoor area beingcooled; the amount of heat entering the indoor area; and the ambientoutdoor temperature. Some of these factors can be ameliorated by theoperator; such as by thermally sealing doors and windows in the indoorarea and constructing the area with walls, attics and windows havingradiant barriers, and by selecting the properly sized air conditioningsystem for the size of the indoor area to be cooled and for thegeographic location. All too often, however, a prior art airconditioning unit will cycle ON and the compressor unit will runcontinuously without cycling OFF so long as the ambient outside airremains above 90° F. Furthermore, as the ambient outdoor temperatureincreases above 90° F., the unit will no longer be capable ofmaintaining the indoor temperature at a comfortable level, even with theunit continuously running.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a performance enhancement devicefor use with an air conditioning system, wherein the air conditioningsystem comprises a condenser unit with an air intake for drawing airinto the air conditioning system and an upward-facing air exhaust forexhausting hot air from the air conditioning system. The performanceenhancement device comprises a chimney that is secured to theupward-facing air exhaust of the condenser unit for directing the hotair discharged from the condenser away from the air conditioning system.The performance enhancement device further comprises a sun screenedenclosure for at least partially surrounding the condenser unit andprotecting it from solar radiation. When used in conjunction with thechimney, the chimney extends above the uppermost extent of the sunscreened enclosure. One or more misting nozzles may be disposed withinthe sun screened enclosure for dispersing a water mist within theenclosure. The misting, nozzles may be controlled individually, or ingroups. Finally, the performance enhancement device may comprise asensor for sensing the operating state of the air conditioning systemand the ambient temperature proximate to the condensing unit and acontroller for receiving the operating state and temperature informationand, based on the information, activating one or more misting nozzles.An activation sequence may be employed in which the number of activatedmisting nozzles is based on the ambient temperature information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the present invention areset forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as wellas a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof,will be best understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical condenser unit as may be used inconjunction with a conventional split system air conditioner as is knownin the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a chimney for directing hot air from the exhaustof a condenser unit and away from the unit in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a sun screened enclosure for protecting acondenser unit from solar radiation, and the like, in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cut-away section of a sun screened enclosurewith a mister zone for distributing a fine mist of water into the volumebetween the sun screened enclosure and the condenser in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the present efficiency enhancement systeminvention as a mister control system for controlling a plurality ofmisting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a mister control system for controlling aplurality of misting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method employed by the controlcircuitry for regulating the flow of water to the individual mistingzones and nozzles in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from theaccompanying drawings and from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Element Reference Number Designations 100: Condenser unit 102: Airintake 104: Air exhaust 110: Condenser housing 112: Condenser coils 200:Chimney 300: Sun screened enclosure 302: Vents 304: Sun screen material306: Frame structure 400: Mister zone 402: Mister nozzle 404: Fluid line406: Mister control system 602: Manifold 602A: Port A to mister zone A602B: Port B to mister zone B 602n: Port n to mister zone n 602O:Optional Port O to mister O 610: Control circuitry 612: Temperaturesensor 614: Flap position sensor 622: Main solenoid valve 624A: Solenoidvalve A to mister zone A 624B: Solenoid valve B to mister zone B 624n:Solenoid valve n to mister zone n

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way ofillustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized. It is also to beunderstood that structural, procedural and system changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limitingsense. For clarity of exposition, like features shown in theaccompanying drawings are indicated with like reference numerals andsimilar features as shown in alternate embodiments in the drawings areindicated with similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical condenser unit as may be used inconjunction with a conventional split system air conditioner as is knownin the prior art. As discussed above, in a typical split system airconditioner the low pressure evaporator unit and the thermostaticexpansion valve (commonly referred to as the low side components) arelocated in the interior space of a building (although not always in acooled area), while the high pressure condenser unit and the compressorunit (commonly referred to as the high side components) are remotelylocated from the evaporator on the exterior of the building.Hereinafter, the term building is used for any structure, i.e.,residential, commercial, permanent or temporary. It should be mentionedthat some types of air conditioning systems integrate the high side andlow side components in the same housing, located on the building'sexterior, with only air ducts connected between the building and airconditioning system. The present invention is equally effective inincreasing the efficiency of either type of air conditioner. As depictedin FIG. 1, an air conditioner is illustrated with at least condenserunit 100 comprises housing 110 for protecting and partially enclosingcondenser (refrigerant) coils 112 or the like, for circulating betweenair intake 102 and exhaust 104. As used hereinafter, it will beappreciated that condenser unit 100 may comprise other air conditioningsystem components than just the high side air conditioning systemcomponents. Typically, condenser coils 112 are exposed directly to airintake 102, but other designs are known. In addition to enclosing thecompressor unit, an air moving mechanism, such as a circulation fan (notshown), may also be contained within condenser housing 110 for drawingair in through air intake 102 and exhausting heated air through exhaust104.

The inventor has recognized that prior art condensing units such as theone depicted in FIG. 1 suffer from a myriad of shortcomings due todesign, installation and environmental factors. One problem that tendsto drastically reduce the operating efficiency of prior art condenserunits is its tendency to raise the temperature of the ambient air in theproximity of the condenser. As the condenser unit draws in warmer air,the temperature of the evaporator coils increases and/or the capacityfor lowering the temperature of the indoor air by the air conditioner isreduced. This tendency results from condenser unit 100 recirculating airthat has been exhausted from exhaust 104 back through air intake 102.Prior art condenser units are typically designed with exhaust 104located at the top of housing 110, which directs the heated air awayfrom the condenser via the internal condenser fan. Additionally, becausethe air exiting the condenser at exhaust 104 has been heated by the hotrefrigerant in the condenser coils, that air is lighter than the ambientoutside air and will rise. The thermal affect of the heated air works inconcert with the condenser fan to move the heated air above and awayfrom the condenser. However, in practice, all the air exiting exhaust104 does not move upward as a homogeneous column of air, but insteadexits exhaust 104 in the general shape of a plume resulting from theforced air pressure created by the fan. The plume moves in any directionthat is open, i.e., upward and to the sides. At a minimum, as the plumeexpands it tends to heat the ambient air. Also, as the plume expandsacross housing 110, it tends to heat the condenser, thus making it lessefficient. Furthermore, air intake 102 creates low pressure zones at thesides of the condenser as it draws in air. As may be appreciated, thecombined affect of the high pressure plume of hot exhaust air and thelow pressure areas adjacent to the condenser results in a heated airbeing drawn into intake 102 and recirculated, thereby lowering theefficiency of the condenser. Therefore, in accordance with one exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, the problems associated with thecondenser exhaust and of recirculating hot air are overcome through theuse of a chimney structure over the condenser exhaust.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a chimney for directing hot air from the exhaustof a condenser unit and away from the unit in accordance with oneexemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in thefigure, chimney 200 has general cross sectional shape of exhaust 104,wherein chimney 200 is secured on top of air condenser 100 and aroundover exhaust 104. The purpose of chimney 200 is to vent the warm airaway from exhaust 104, and air intake 102. Hence, the diameter ofchimney 200 should be larger than the opening for exhaust 104. Althoughboth chimney 200 and exhaust 104 are depicted as having circularcross-sectional shapes, each may be any shape and the shapes need not bealike. Chimney 200 may be fabricated from any material capable ofwithstanding the out-of-doors environment adjacent to the condenser,i.e., moisture, wind and the rays from the sun, and should have thecapacity to withstand the vented warm air from exhaust 104. For example,chimney 200 may comprise sheet metal, metal, plastic, wood or othersuitable material, and preferably maintenance free. An air flow sensingdevice, such as a movable flap, may be disposed within chimney 200 inaccordance with some embodiments discussed below. In accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, chimney 200accelerates or increases the velocity of air from exhaust 104 and mayuse, for example, vanes, aerodynamic shaping or other means to increasethe vortex rotation of air passing through chimney 200.

In addition to the shortcomings discussed above, the inventor has alsorecognized that prior art condensing units, such as the one depicted inFIG. 1, suffer from excessive solar heating from directed and reflectedrays of the sun, e.g., infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) rays.Typically, air conditioner manufacturers treat exposed surfaces withnon-absorbent coatings to reduce the amount of solar radiation that isabsorbed by the condenser, thereby keeping its temperature to a minimum.These coatings are not completely effective. Furthermore, because airconditioner condenser units are exposed to sun, rain and irrigationwater and other environmental contaminants, these coatings often fade,peel or oxidize, and lose their efficiency. Therefore, in accordancewith another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thecondenser unit is protected from exposure to solar radiation, eitherdirect or indirect, through the use of a sun screened enclosure aroundthe condenser unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a sun screened enclosure for protecting acondenser unit from solar radiation, and the like, in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As depicted inthe figure, sun screened enclosure 300 generally comprises framestructure 306 for rigidity and for supporting sun screen material 304.Vents 302 are disposed about sun screened enclosure 300 within sunscreen material 304. Optionally, and as depicted in the figure, vents302 are disposed along a lower extremity of sun screened enclosure 300for receiving air for the condenser, and away from the exhaust from thecondenser unit. Vents 302 may be positioned somewhat higher on sunscreened enclosure 300 without sacrificing its effectiveness.

In accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the chimney of the present invention can be used incombination with the sun screened enclosure. As such, the purpose ofchimney 200 is to prevent the warm air from exhaust 104 from beingtrapped in sun screened enclosure 300 and being recirculated into intake102.

In accordance with this embodiment, the diameter of chimney 200 is smallenough to fit on condenser housing 110, but large enough to completelycover exhaust 104. Chimney 200 should be durable and at leastsemi-rigid, but light enough to be supported on condenser unit 100.Additionally, chimney 200 should extend above sun screened enclosure 300(see FIG. 5) in order to reduce or eliminate recirculation of the heatedexhaust air to intake 102. In accordance with one exemplary embodimentof the present invention, once positioned on condenser unit 100, chimney200 extends approximately 4 inches above the top of sun screenedenclosure 300. In accordance with still other exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, chimney 200 extends between 6 inches and 12inches above sun screened enclosure 300. Moreover, chimney 200 may beseveral feet taller than sun screened enclosure 300, however as apractical matter, resistance to the flow of air from exhaust 104increases with the length of the chimney. Moreover, because the upperportion of chimney 200 is directly exposed to the wind, an excessivelylong chimney might become unstable in high winds.

It should be mentioned that the use of a chimney as described herein,may also improve the performance of a heat pump type system in coldweather because a heat pump scavenges heat from the ambient air andexhausts the chilled air from the system. In that case, chimney 200would direct the chilled air away from the intake of the heat pump,thereby allowing the heat pump to more efficiently scavenge heat fromthe ambient air.

As mentioned above, the purpose of sun screened enclosure 300 is toreduce the amount of solar heating condenser 100 is subjected to,however in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, sun screened enclosure 300 provides attachment pointsfor water mister nozzles (see FIG. 4, discussed below). In any case, sunscreened enclosure 300 may be understood as a self-supporting structurehaving a circular profile. As suggested by FIG. 3, sun screenedenclosure 300 may be understood as a self-supporting structure having anexemplary circular profile, but may be instead configured with anyprofile. Additionally, sun screened enclosure 300 may be adapted tocooperate with an adjacent permanent structure, such as a wall and thelike. Sun screen material 304 may be any suitable material orcombination of materials that allows sun screened enclosure 300 toreduce the amount of solar radiation on condenser 100. In accordancewith one exemplary embodiment, sun screen material 304 has one or moreof the following properties: blocks solar radiation, is reflective,breathable, and/or collects water droplets on its surface. Furthermore,sun screen material 304 may have an aesthetically pleasing design and/orshape such that sun screened enclosure 300 blends into the surroundingenvironment or is aesthetically pleasing to view. In accordance withanother exemplary embodiment, sun screened enclosure 300 comprises framestructure 306, of metal, plastic, woven plant material, wood or othermaterial able to provide a more rigid support member for the material toblock solar radiation. In accordance with still another exemplaryembodiment, sun screened enclosure 300 may further comprise light weightwire frame (similar to a chicken wire), wherein frame structure 306 iscovered in solar screening material.

The diameter of sun screened enclosure 300 is sufficient to surroundcondenser unit 100 with a buffer of at least 6 inches from intake 102 ofcondenser unit 100 and may have an optional top. Sun screened enclosure300 should be high enough to prevent the direct rays from the sun fromreaching condenser unit 100, for most of the day (it is expected thatsun screened enclosure 300 will not protect condenser unit 100 duringperiods where the sun is directly overhead). The amount of protectiondepends on the distance between sun screened enclosure 300 and condenser100. For example, if sun screened enclosure 300 is relatively close tocondenser 100, then sun screened enclosure 300 may have a relatively lowheight. Alternatively, if sun screened enclosure 300 is relatively farfrom condenser 100, then sun screened enclosure 300 should becorrespondingly taller to sufficiently reduce the amount of solarradiation on air condenser 100. For a typical condenser unit, the heightof sun screened enclosure 300 is between about 5 feet and 8 feet.Additionally, top of sun screened enclosure 300 may be straight formaximum air flow or canted over at an angle to provide additional shade.

As mentioned above, near the lowermost extent of sun screened enclosure300 are disposed a plurality of vents 302 such that the ambient airoutside of sun screened enclosure 300 can flow unrestricted to airintake 102. The number and size of vents 302 should be sufficient forsupplying air intake 102 with air. In accordance with one exemplaryembodiment, vents 302 are at least about 4 inches high and extend fromground level, alternatively, vents 302 may be between 4 inches and 18inches in height and extend from ground level.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cut-away section of a sun screened enclosurewith a mister zone for distributing a fine mist of water into the volumebetween the sun screened enclosure and the condenser in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In addition toblocking solar radiation, sun screened enclosure 300 provides mechanicalsupport for at least one mister zone 400, comprising at least one misternozzle 402 and fluid lines 404. Fluid lines 404 supply fluid, such aswater, to mister nozzles 402. Mister nozzles 402 receive the fluid fromfluid lines 404 and mist, or produce small droplets of the fluidsuspended in air, in the general direction of intake 102. The mist frommister nozzles 402 provides an evaporative pre-cooling effect to the aircontained in sun screened enclosure 300 as well as providing directevaporative cooling of condenser unit 100. Each section of sun screenedenclosure 300 may support one or more misting zones 400, which may beindividually activated.

The number of mister nozzles 402 and position of each nozzle 402 on sunscreened enclosure 300 depends on the size of sun screened enclosure 300and the amount of mist desired. In accordance with one exemplaryembodiment, five mister nozzles are disposed along the interior of theupper portion of sun screened enclosure 300 to disperse as much watermist directly in the air flow as possible and another five misternozzles are placed near the center of sun screened enclosure 300 andproximate to intake 102 to disperse mist onto or near condenser coils112 of condenser unit 100.

Mister nozzles 402 may be installed such that they activatedindividually or activate in groups (see the discussion associated withFIGS. 6 and 7 below). In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, a water filter is coupled to fluid lines 404 toremove particulate matter that may clog nozzles. In accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, mister zones 400further comprise a high pressure pump (not shown) for increasing theamount of mist produced by mister nozzles 402. Mister nozzles 402 arecontrolled by control system 406.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the present efficiency enhancement systeminvention as a mister control system for controlling a plurality ofmisting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. Here, exhaust 104 of condenser unit 100 is enclosed bychimney 200 and the entire condenser unit 100 is surrounded by sunscreened enclosure 300. Chimney 200 extends above sun screened enclosure300 by a predetermined height. Sun screened enclosure 300 protectscondenser unit 100 from solar radiation and thermal heating. During arun cycle, condenser unit 100 draws outside air into intake 102, fromvents 302 within the sun screen material 304 of sun screened enclosure300, typically disposed near the bottom of the enclosure. Air may alsobe drawn from the open top of sun screened enclosure 300 or that openingmay be enclosed. Once the outside air has circulated across condenser(refrigerant) coils 112 of condenser unit 100, it exits the condenserunit at exhaust 104 and into chimney 200 and directed away from sunscreened enclosure 300 and condenser unit 100. Optionally, sun screenedenclosure 300 may have disposed thereon a plurality of misting zones400, each with fluid line 404 coupled to at least one misting nozzle 402for evaporative cooling of the outside air and condenser coils 112 ofcondenser unit 100 (see the discussion of the control system directlybelow).

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a mister control system for controlling aplurality of misting zones in accordance with an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. Mister control 406 generally comprises waterdistribution manifold 602, which is hydraulically coupled between awater supply (and filter) and each of the plurality of misting zones,e.g., misting zones A, B, . . . n, and optional misting zone O), controlcircuitry 610, temperature sensor 612 and air conditioner cycle sensor,such as flap position sensor 614. Coupled to each of misting zone ports602 A, 602B, . . . 602 n and optional misting zone port 6020 isrespective solenoid valve 624A, 624B, . . . 624 n for regulating thesupply of water to misting zone A through n, and also master solenoidvalve 622, for regulating the water supply from the main water supplyline and filter to manifold 602. The solenoid valves are normally-closedvalves that open upon receiving a control signal from control circuitry610. Control system 406 is provided with water and electrical power, anddetermines when and which of mister nozzles 402 are to activate. Misternozzles 402 are activated either when condenser unit 100 is activatedand/or when a specific ambient temperature is reached. In accordancewith one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, control system406 utilizes progressive temperature regulation of mister nozzles 402and a flap type air switch for sensing the cycle of the air conditioningsystem (flap position switch 614) to control the flow of liquid in fluidlines 404. Demand is determined by flap position switch 614 wherein flapposition switch 614 is either electrical, mechanical orelectromechanical. Flap position switch 614 is placed in the air streamof the exhaust 104 of condenser unit 100 and when the condensers fan incondenser unit 100 is activated, the velocity of air at exhaust 104activates the flap switch. Signals generated by flap position switch 614activate master solenoid valve 622 that is coupled to the inlet port tomanifold 602 of control system 406 thus allowing water to pass throughfluid lines 404 to mister nozzles 402. It should be appreciated thateach of the misting zones may have one misting nozzle 402 or a pluralityof misting nozzles 402 coupled thereon. Therefore, in accordance withanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more ofmisting nozzles 402 may be combined with a separate electrical solenoidvalve and receives control signals from control circuitry for activatingthe nozzle individually.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the availability of fluid to individual mister nozzles 402 iscontrolled through the use of a thermostatic device to control theactivation of individual additional solenoid valves at each mister 402or at a group of mister nozzles 402. For example, if ambient airtemperature sensor 612 detects a temperature greater than thresholdtemperature value, A° F. (for instance 85° F.). In response, controlcircuitry 610 sends a control signal to solenoid valve 624A, which opensin response, and water is passed to misting zone A. If ambient airtemperature sensor 612 detects a temperature greater than a second andhigher temperature threshold, B° F. (where B>A, for instance 90° F.).Control circuitry 610 then sends a control signal to solenoid valve624B, which then opens in response. Water is then passed to misting zoneB. The sequence is identical for other temperature thresholds until airtemperature sensor 612 detects a temperature greater than the highestthreshold, n° F. When a temperature of n° F. is detected (where n>B>A),all n solenoid valves and misting zones are activated. This processembodied in control circuitry 610 is discussed further below with regardto the flowchart in FIG. 7. In another exemplary embodiment, each mister402 or groups of mister nozzles 402 are activated on a progressivebasis. In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, controlsystem 406 is optional and not present, wherein fluid lines 404 areconnected directly to a fluid source such as a water faucet and misternozzles 402 are activated when the fluid source is turned on.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart depicting a method employed by the controlcircuitry for regulating the flow of water to the individual mistingzones and nozzles in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention. The method is an iterative process and therefore iscontinually iterating through the steps. The threshold condition is theposition of the flap (step 702). If flap position sensor 614 detectsthat the flap is in the OFF position, that is condenser unit 100 hascycled OFF, control circuitry 610 deactivates any solenoids that may beopen (step 704). If flap position sensor 614 detects that the flap is inthe ON position, the main solenoid valve 622 is activated by controlcircuitry 610 (step 706) and water is allowed to enter manifold 602 andonto any misting zone through ports that are not regulated by a separatesolenoid valve, such as optional port 6020 coupled to misting zone O.Next, control circuitry 610 receives ambient air temperature informationfrom temperature sensor 612. That temperature is tested against one ormore temperature thresholds for activating separate misting zones and/ormisting nozzles, beginning with temperature threshold A (step 708). Ifthe ambient temperature is not greater than A° F., the processdeactivates any of solenoid valves A-n that may be active (step 710) anditerates back to step 702 for a flap check. However, the present methodcontinually monitors the ambient temperature and activates anddeactivates solenoids as necessary. If the ambient temperature is aboveA° F., solenoid valve A is activated (step 712) and the next temperaturethreshold is tested, temperature B° F. (step 714). If the ambienttemperature is not above B° F., the process deactivates any of solenoidvalves B-n that may be active (step 716) and iterates back to step 702for a flap check and eventually may iterate back to step 714, assumingthat the ambient temperature is greater than A° F. If the ambienttemperature is above B° F., solenoid valve B is activated (step 718) andthe next subsequent temperature threshold is tested until the finaltemperature threshold is tested, temperature n° F. (step 720). Hereagain, if the ambient temperature is not greater than n° F., the nsolenoid valve is deactivated (step 722) and the process iterates backto step 702 and through the applicable process steps. If the ambienttemperature is above n° F., then the n solenoid valve is activated (step724) and again the process iterates back to step 702.

The above described system significantly improves an existing airconditioner without voiding the warranty for the air conditioner. Itshould be understood that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodimentsof the invention and that modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention.

The exemplary embodiments described below were selected and described inorder to best explain the principles of the invention and the practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the invention for various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Theparticular embodiments described below are in no way intended to limitthe scope of the present invention as it may be practiced in a varietyof variations and environments without departing from the scope andintent of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to the embodiment shown, but is to be accorded the widestscope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems which perform the specified functions or acts, or combinationsof special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

1. A performance enhancement device for an air conditioning system,wherein the air conditioning system comprises a condenser unit with anair intake for drawing air into the air conditioning system and anupward-facing air exhaust for exhausting warm air from the airconditioning system, the performance enhancement device comprising: achimney coupled to the air exhaust of the condenser unit.
 2. Theperformance enhancement device in claim 1, further comprising: a sunscreened enclosure to protect the condenser unit from solar radiation.3. The performance enhancement device in claim 2, wherein the sunscreened enclosure further comprising: a sun screen material; and aplurality of vents.
 4. The performance enhancement device in claim 3,wherein the plurality of vents are one of within the sun screenmaterial, below the sun screen material, defined by a lower edge of thesun screen material and ground, and above the suns screen material. 5.The performance enhancement device in claim 4, wherein the chimneyextends above the sun screened enclosure.
 6. The performance enhancementdevice in claim 4, wherein the chimney extends above the sun screenedenclosure by at least four inches.
 7. The performance enhancement devicein claim 3, wherein the chimney extends above the sun screenedenclosure.
 8. The performance enhancement device in claim 3, wherein thechimney extends above the sun screened enclosure by at least fourinches.
 9. The performance enhancement device in claim 7, furthercomprising: a fluid line for receiving water from a water source; and amisting nozzle coupled to the fluid line and disposed within the sunscreened enclosure for disbursing a water mist within the sun screenedenclosure.
 10. The performance enhancement device in claim 9, furthercomprising: a solenoid valve for regulating water between the mistingnozzle and the water source.
 11. The performance enhancement device inclaim 7, further comprising: a first misting zone comprising: a firstfluid line for receiving water from a water source; and a first mistingnozzle coupled to the first fluid line and disposed within the sunscreened enclosure for disbursing a water mist within the sun screenedenclosure; and a second misting zone comprising: a second fluid line forreceiving water from the water source; and a second misting nozzlecoupled to the second fluid line and disposed within the sun screenedenclosure for disbursing a water mist within the sun screened enclosure.12. The performance enhancement device in claim 11, wherein the firstmisting zone further comprises a first solenoid valve for regulatingfluid between the first nozzle and the water source, and wherein thesecond misting zone further comprises a second solenoid valve forregulating fluid between the second nozzle and the water source.
 13. Theperformance enhancement device in claim 10, further comprising: a cyclesensor for sensing an indicator to a current state of the airconditioning system; and a controller electrically coupled between thecycle sensor and the solenoid valve for receiving state indicators fromthe cycle sensor and transmitting an activation signal to the solenoidvalve in response.
 14. The performance enhancement device in claim 12,further comprising: a cycle sensor for sensing an indicator to a currentstate of the air conditioning system; a temperature sensor formonitoring ambient temperature of air proximate to the condenser unit; acontroller electrically coupled between the cycle sensor, thetemperature sensor and the first and second solenoid valves forreceiving state indicators from the cycle sensor and ambient temperatureinformation from the temperature sensor and transmitting a firstactivation signal to the first solenoid valve based on a comparison ofthe temperature information to a first temperature threshold.
 15. Theperformance enhancement device in claim 14, wherein the controllertransmits a second activation signal to the second solenoid valve basedon a comparison of the temperature information to a second temperaturethreshold, wherein the second temperature threshold is greater than thefirst temperature threshold.
 16. The performance enhancement device inclaim 9, wherein one of the fluid line and misting nozzle is attached tothe sun screened enclosure.
 17. The performance enhancement device inclaim 9, further comprising: a filter coupled between the fluid line andthe water source.
 18. The performance enhancement device in claim 3,wherein the sun screened enclosure further comprising: a framestructure.